Estimate your Child Care Subsidy percentage and what childcare will actually cost your family out of pocket, on the rates that apply from 6 July 2026.
Families earning up to $88,520 get a 90% subsidy. Above that, the percentage falls by 1% for every $5,000 of family income, reaching 0% at $538,520. Second and younger children aged 5 or under can get a higher rate of up to 95% while family income is under $370,727.
Your percentage applies to the lower of your provider’s hourly fee and the government hourly rate cap: $15.19 for centre based day care and outside school hours care (below school age), $13.30 for school-age children in those care types, and $14.08 for family day care. From 5 January 2026 every eligible family gets at least 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight under the 3 Day Guarantee.
Services Australia withholds 5% of the subsidy each fortnight until your income is confirmed at tax time.
Source: Services Australia and the Department of Social Services Family Assistance Guide, 2026–27 rates effective 6 July 2026.
Your family income estimate — the combined adjusted taxable income of you and your partner for the financial year. Centrelink balances it against your actual income after you lodge your tax returns.
If you have more than one CCS-eligible child aged 5 or under, your second and younger children may get the higher rate, up to 95%, while your family income is under $370,727. The eldest gets the standard rate.
Services Australia withholds 5% of your subsidy to reduce the chance of an overpayment, and pays any remainder back when your payments are balanced after tax time.
This calculator gives a rough estimate based on the 2026–27 CCS rates and is for general guidance only. Check your exact entitlement with Services Australia.